TESDA signed various Memoranda of Understanding (MOU) with German multinational entities such as the German-Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry (GPCCI), Siemens Inc., and Festo Inc.
January 12, 2024 – at TESDA Women’s Center (TWC), TESDA Complex, Taguig City
The Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) has renewed its partnership with German technology companies Siemens Inc. and Festo Inc. for the Philippines’ hosting of the 14th WorldSkills ASEAN Competition in 2025 (WSASEAN2025).
In a Memorandum of Understanding signed last January 11, 2024, the two companies cemented their commitment to supporting the acceleration of the development of quality technical skills in the Philippines through their collaboration with TESDA. The agreement covers the two companies’ support for WSASEAN2025 as well as the conduct of the 2024 Philippine National Skills Competition (2024PNSC).
Siemens Inc. will render its expertise in the areas of Artificial Intelligence, Cloud Computing, Cybersecurity, and Digital Connectivity through cooperative activities such as Technology Update Workshops. This is meant to provide support for the learners of TESDA, including WorldSkills competitors, experts and officials, in the industries of Food and Beverage, Electronics, Semiconductors, Chemicals, Pharmaceuticals, Water and Wastewater, and Intralogistics; as well as in electrification of infrastructure.
Festo Inc., with technological expertise in Mechatronics, Industry 4.0, Water Technology, Renewable Energy, Industrial Mechanics, and Industrial Control, will supply state-of-the-art equipment to be used for training and exhibition during the event.
Both companies agree with TESDA that cutting-edge technologies and know-how in the field of industrial automation, training solutions in technical education, and digitalization are important in promoting the development of quality technical education in the Philippines.
Siemens Inc. and Festo Inc. had previously partnered with TESDA in the conduct of skills competitions. During the 2023 Philippine National Skills Competition, both companies provided venue and equipment for various skill areas.
Further, TESDA has established a partnership with the German-Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry (GPCCI) to promote public-private partnerships and build an enduring collaborative alliance for the enhancement and execution of enterprise-based training programs.
TESDA’s collaborations with the above-mentioned German multinational entities are part of the Philippine and German governments’ long-standing partnership aimed at strengthening the technical vocational education and training (TVET) programs to prepare skilled graduates for employment.
In January 2024, German Foreign Minister Her Excellency Annalena Baerbock was welcomed to the TESDA Headquarters in Taguig City by TESDA Secretary Suharto Mangudadatu. She was given a tour of the TESDA Complex specifically the Regional Training Center – National Capital Region (RTC-NCR) and the TESDA Women’s Center (TWC). She also had a closed-door roundtable discussion with German stakeholders and Philippine government agencies.
Secretary Mangudadatu expressed his appreciation for the German Government’s commitment to furthering tech-voc education in the Philippines.
“Our two countries have always cooperated and worked closely with each other. The Philippines and Germany remain keen to explore more partnerships aimed at addressing the development of the Philippine skilled labor workforce,” the Secretary said.
About WorldSkills ASEAN
WorldSkills ASEAN is the largest showcase of professional and technical skills in the ASEAN (The Association of Southeast Asian Nations) region and brings the objectives of the WorldSkills movement to Southeast Asia. The skills competition was initiated by an agreement among ASEAN Member States in 1993 and aims to promote and raise skills standards in the ASEAN region to an international level, as well as to motivate youths to develop their skills and knowledge. ASEAN Member States take turns to host the biennial WorldSkills ASEAN Competition.
About Philippine National Skills Competition
The Philippine National Skills Competition (PNSC) is a competition that serves as a venue to recognize the skills excellence of young industry-skilled workers and graduates of technical-vocational schools and training centers. The PNSC hopes to develop competitive Filipino workers who possess world-class skills and work values and attitudes. The competition culminates in a series of local, provincial, sectoral, and regional contests held nationwide. Winners of the regional contest vie for gold in the PNSC. Winners in the PNSC undergo further training to prepare them for international skills competitions like the ASEAN Skills Competition and the WorldSkills Competition.
